West Ham and Sheffield United have a score to settle.
Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League in 2007 is still a sore subject for Blades fans.
West Ham’s third party loan deal for Carlos Tevez was later found to be in contravention of the Premier League’s rules and the Hammers were fined.
Tevez played a key role in West Ham surviving relegation – at Sheffield United’s expense.
Now after 12 years outside the top flight, Sheffield United are back.
Blades striker Billy Sharp says he hold no bitterness, but expects fiery clashes between the two teams.
He told FourFourTwo: “I’m sure the games against West Ham will be fiery ones anyway and that will be brought back up again, but for me it’s forgotten. I have no grudges against Tevez.
“I’m a Sheffield lad and a Sheffield United fan and to be able to play in the Premier League with this club will be unbelievable.
“I remember signing back with the club when they had just been relegated from the Premier League and I thought we could bounce straight back, but it wasn’t to be. But we are back now 12 years later and I can’t wait for it.”
Sharp himself has a point to prove, after scoring at a prolific rate at League One and Championship level for the Blades.
Now he will want to show he can be a solid contributor in the top flight, even at the age of 33.
A goal or two against West Ham will serve to underline his cult hero status.
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